Sin. Ugh. We all do it. Everrrryday, yet we don’t really talk about it. I mean I get it, who wants to answer when someone asks how you are doing with, “I’m doing okay. There is this sin I’m really struggling with. A lot actually and I feel lonely and defeated at times, but this week I’ve really done well.”
Awkward smile.
No one does that but I think it would be pretty great if we did. Can you imagine the support and encouragement we’d get from one another. The sincere, “I’ll pray for you and I know you can do this. If you need anything call me or let’s just meet up Thursday for lunch,” is what everyone needs.
So until that happens, there is one person I’ve learned to run to.
Christ.
It is so interesting to me. I’ve always known He was tempted, the scriptures tell us about Satan coming after His 40 day fast in the wilderness.
Yet, it never hit home for me until reading:
“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. … and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Alma 7:11–12)
He was tempted! WITH EVERY KIND! (also, with all afflictions and pains but that’s for a different post)
If I was the devil, I would be pulling out all my tricks and followers to be attacking whenever I could. Constantly and with every sin I could muster. On Christ and us!
Temptations = all sorts. Big. Little.
CHRIST GETS IT!! Completely.
Whether I have anger issues and speak hatefully, gambling is my drug, or drug drugs are my drug. (just say nooo!)
Or maybe I enjoy judging others and making myself feel superior.
Or maaaaybe I’m really hard on myself and tell myself things I wouldn’t say to someone else in a million years.
Or maybe shoplifting is easy and dang I love the new wardrobe.
Or I struggle with pornography but I try to justify it.
It doesn’t matter our sins of choice. He has been there. Christ knows the feelings of guilt, shame, frustration, and the beautiful desire to change. And that is where the goodness of sin comes.
The desire to change.
Christ is right there saying, actually probably yelling, “DON’T GIVE UP! PLEASE! I GET IT! IT’S SO HARD RIGHT NOW. BUT I AM THE LIGHT AND I’M HERE TO HOLD YOU UP. PLEASE, LET ME! PLEASE!’
So, how do we do it?
On our knees. Telling Him we need Him now and everyday. That we can’t do it without Him and how grateful we are He would take this trial and help carry it, all the while telling us how amazing we are.
That’s kind of mind blowing, huh?
I know because I’ve desired to change and I have felt His love and guidance through my owns sins.
So, remember, we all sin.
It sucks but the good that comes from it is the relationship we develop with Christ.
Heavenly Father was kind of brilliant having us learn to depend on our Savior, because that is the only way we can truly know Him, love Him, and adore Him.
